Shiloh Hill’s rise to WWE stardom is the kind of story that feels like it was ripped straight from a movie script. The 25-year-old former Stanford linebacker didn’t follow the traditional path to professional wrestling. Instead, his career began with a simple twist of fate—a WrestleMania shirt, a campus stroll, and a question that changed everything.
The Shirt That Started It All
While still playing linebacker for Stanford University, Shiloh Hill (real name Thunder Justice Keck) was walking around campus when a teammate tipped him off about WWE recruiters visiting for their Next In Line (NIL) program. Intrigued, Hill set out to find the meeting location, unaware that his wardrobe choice would play a pivotal role in his future.
“I just happened to be wearing a WrestleMania shirt that day,” Hill revealed in a recent interview. “I was walking around, trying to figure out where the meeting was, and I passed by the office where the recruiters were. One of them saw the shirt and called out, ‘Hey, do you like wrestling?’ I said, ‘Yeah, I love wrestling.’ That’s when everything changed.”
According to a WWE insider, the recruiters were immediately intrigued by Hill’s genuine enthusiasm and athletic background. “They saw someone who not only looked the part but also had a real passion for the business,” the source said. “It wasn’t just about the shirt—it was about the energy and the potential.”
From Football to Wrestling
Hill’s athletic pedigree is impressive. At Stanford, he was a standout on special teams and earned a reputation for his physicality and speed. He also excelled in track and field, winning state championships in the 400m and discus. But it was his NIL valuation—reaching $529,000 by October 2023—that caught the attention of major brands and, eventually, WWE.
On June 13, 2022, Hill was named one of fifteen college athletes to sign with WWE’s Next In Line program. The program, designed to bridge the gap between college athletics and professional wrestling, gave Hill the opportunity to train at the WWE Performance Center while maintaining his NIL status.
The Road to NXT
Hill’s in-ring debut came on March 30, 2024, at an NXT live event, where he wrestled under his real name in a losing effort against Drake Morreaux. Three months later, on the June 6 episode of NXT Level Up, he made his on-screen debut as Shiloh Hill, teaming with Jasper Troy in a tag team match against The D’Angelo Family. Though the team lost, Hill’s presence was undeniable.
His first victory came on the June 21 episode of NXT Level Up, when he defeated Uriah Connors. The win marked a turning point in his career, signaling that Hill was more than just a novelty signing—he was a legitimate competitor.
LFG: The Reality That Made Him a Star
In February 2025, Hill entered the first season of LFG (Legends & Future Greats), a reality television series that pits rising talents against each other for a chance at an NXT contract. Mentored by The Undertaker, Hill made it to the finals but fell short, finishing as the runner-up.
Undeterred, Hill returned for Season 2, once again under The Undertaker’s guidance. This time, he emerged victorious, defeating Harlem Lewis in the finals to claim the title of LFG Season 2 winner. The win not only solidified his status as a top prospect but also earned him a full contract with NXT.
A New Gimmick, A New Era
Following his LFG victory, Hill debuted a new, intense gimmick that has quickly become a talking point among fans. WWE released a cryptic video teasing Hill’s transformation, hinting at a darker, more aggressive persona. “This isn’t just about winning matches,” Hill said in a backstage promo. “This is about proving that I belong here, that I’m not just a college athlete who got lucky. I’m here to make a statement.”
According to a WWE insider, Hill’s new character is designed to showcase his versatility and intensity. “They want to see how far he can push himself, both physically and mentally,” the source said. “He’s not just a big guy with a football background—he’s a performer with a story to tell.”
The Future of Shiloh Hill
With his new contract and evolving persona, Hill is poised to make a significant impact on NXT. His journey from campus to the ring is a testament to the unpredictable nature of WWE’s talent scouting. “You never know who’s watching,” Hill said. “One day, you’re just walking around, and the next, you’re standing in front of thousands of fans, living your dream.”
Hill’s story is also a reminder of the power of authenticity. In an industry where image is everything, his genuine love for wrestling and his willingness to embrace new challenges have set him apart.
What’s Next?
As Hill continues to develop his character and hone his in-ring skills, fans can expect to see more of him on NXT programming. With his athletic background, charisma, and a bit of luck, Shiloh Hill is on the fast track to becoming one of WWE’s next breakout stars.
“Shiloh is the kind of talent that can do anything,” said a WWE executive. “He’s not just a wrestler—he’s a brand, a personality, and a future main eventer.”
For Hill, the journey is just beginning. And if his past is any indication, the best is yet to come.